The end: French film festival concludes on high note

‘His Wife’ explores idea of forgiveness beyond the grave

ISLAMABAD: Films based on themes of possession by spirits and exorcism are all too common in various cultures and languages across the world. However, one that swiftly straddles cultures across continents is a breath of fresh air for its clever treatment.

Directed by Michel Spinosa, ‘Son Epouse’ (His Wife) was the second film to be screened at the French film festival ‘A French Filmmakers’ Perspective’ at the French embassy on Saturday evening.

The psychological drama unfolds the rather unusual story of a French woman drowning off the coast of India and her estranged husband traveling there, only to find a girl who claims to have been possessed by his wife’s spirit.

Through its many twists and turns, the film delves deep into the psychosis of mental illness, drug addiction and unresolved relationships extending beyond the proverbial grave.

Opening up in a serene French countryside, the film introduces Joseph (Yvan Attal), a vet who proposes to his beloved Catherine (Charlotte Gainsborough) to marry him and bear him a child. As the story unravels, he learns that Catherine is suffering with a prescription-medicine addiction that has replaced a long-suppressed heroin habit.

Through transitioning scenes, one finds out that Catherine has disappeared and her body is found, washed up on a beach in Chennai, Madras. This is when Gracie, a Tamil woman who has just gotten married, finds herself engulfed by a strange sensation. What follows is Gracie’s husband, Anthony, seeking help for her condition through psychiatrists and a priest, who puts her into a trance, with her hand spinning wildly to draw out Catherine’s vengeful spirit.

The jungle adjoining a church where Gracie is kept for treatment is a stark contrast from the beautiful French landscape where Catherine once lived with Joseph.

Another riveting shot shows Gracie’s brother, Thomas, driving a drugged-out Catherine home on his scooter, when they are unable to find the drug in India. Scenes of Joseph in the church with Gracie or by himself, coming to terms with reality invoke powerful emotion, a longing for something that is lost.

Speaking to the audience after the screening, Spinosa shared an interest in exploring stories about mental trouble. “I’ve always been curious about the subject and have always been attracted to South Asia and so this was a way to interconnect the two continents,” he said.

He further said that the question he had set out to explore through the film was that how can one be forgiven by someone who is not there anymore. “It’s a question of guilt and forgiveness,” he said. When asked if Catherine finds redemption, he replied that he did not know.

An audience member remarked that he had found the film interesting for its topic and the link about the two distinct cultures. “It was truly captivating to see a blend of different cultures and references to Hindu mythology,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2014.